SS Mike Hollimon looks at a strike.
COMSTOCK PARK – Eleven batters came to the plate in bottom of the first as the Whitecaps pounded out nine hits and six runs to force starter Trey Shields from the game in an 8-4 win over Kane County.
West Michigan added single runs in the second and third innings and led 8-2 after four. Every player in the West Michigan line up had a hit by the third inning. Eight of the nine starters had at least one hit in the first.
Cameron Maybin started the scoring with an RBI double. Jeramy Laster capped the rally with a two-run single West Michigan pushed a run across without a hit or an error in the second.
Dusty Ryan delivered a bases loaded walk against reliever Joe Piekarz who issued five free passes in two innings on the hill. Ryan Roberson singled home the eighth Whitecaps run in the third.
Burke Badenhop threw seven innings for the Whitecaps to earn the victory, despite allowing 10 hits and three runs.